Iran’s Drone Attacks Strain Tensions between Baku and Tehran

Abstract

Iranian drones launched from Iranian territory struck Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on March 5, damaging civilian infrastructure near the international airport and a school. Baku condemned the attack as terrorism and demanded explanations, an apology, and accountability from Tehran.

Azerbaijan rejected Iran’s denial of responsibility, citing technical monitoring confirming the drones’ Iranian origin. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev placed the armed forces on heightened alert and warned that Azerbaijan is prepared to retaliate against further hostile actions.

As the broader regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continues to unfold, the crisis between Azerbaijan and Iran appears increasingly volatile and could take an unpredictable course, with the risk of further escalation remaining high.